A review by biblio_kel
The Haar by David Sodergren
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'll be honest, I bought this book for its cover, the expectation that it would involve the Scottish sea or seaside (given the title), and because the one review I briefly looked at mentioned the story involved elements of cosmic horror, folk horror, and body horror.
So, to say I was surprised to discover it was also a touching tale of love lost and love returned would be an understatement.
I'm not really interested in romantic storylines but this one had me hooked due to how bittersweet it was. Afterall, my partner always says that the only time I enjoy anything close to resembling romance is when it's wrapped up tight in tragedy.
There's definitely elements of cosmic horror and a good deal of body horror. I struggled to find any elements of folk horror beyond the story being set in a small, seaside village.
The main character is an octogenarian and I felt that their treatment by the author was very dignified and respectful.
I need to mention the sweet inclusion at the end of the book, within the afterword, of the author's grandmother's memoirs. It might sound strange to include such a thing in such a book but somehow it just fits.
I could make a statement about the story appealing to fans of movies such as The Thing or The Blob but that would be a very shallow, and potentially misleading, comparison to make.
I have to say though, I never expected to find myself having all the feels over a story about a murderous amorphous blob and its octogenarian lover.
I definitely recommend this book to horror fans and I looked forward to reading more stories by this author.
So, to say I was surprised to discover it was also a touching tale of love lost and love returned would be an understatement.
I'm not really interested in romantic storylines but this one had me hooked due to how bittersweet it was. Afterall, my partner always says that the only time I enjoy anything close to resembling romance is when it's wrapped up tight in tragedy.
There's definitely elements of cosmic horror and a good deal of body horror. I struggled to find any elements of folk horror beyond the story being set in a small, seaside village.
The main character is an octogenarian and I felt that their treatment by the author was very dignified and respectful.
I need to mention the sweet inclusion at the end of the book, within the afterword, of the author's grandmother's memoirs. It might sound strange to include such a thing in such a book but somehow it just fits.
I could make a statement about the story appealing to fans of movies such as The Thing or The Blob but that would be a very shallow, and potentially misleading, comparison to make.
I have to say though, I never expected to find myself having all the feels over a story about a murderous amorphous blob and its octogenarian lover.
I definitely recommend this book to horror fans and I looked forward to reading more stories by this author.